Category: health

One of the very important parts of the Atharva Veda, the practice of Ayurveda originated in India about 5000 years ago. This treatment method is a holistic system of healing which is being divided into 8 different categories called the Ashtavaidyan. These 8 categories of Ayurveda could be defined as the limbs of the system which is loosely connected to the 8 branches of the western medical system that is the allopathic treatment method. The practice of Ashtavaidyan or better called the Ayurveda started between the 13th and 17th century when the treatment method gained importance within the royal families. Kerala to the southernmost part of India was the only state that followed the practice of Ayurveda in the olden times. There were 18 families in the state who practices the 8 branches of Ayurvedic treatment methods. Each family which practised this treatment method have developed its own Ayurvedic treatment centres and developed unique steps and procedures in the treatment pattern which passed down to generations. The state holds a rich history of Ayurvedic treatment in the land.

There are a number of stories and believes rumouring within the practitioners in Kerala. One of the story or believe states that, when the Brahmins were brought to Kerala by Lord Parasurama, he assigned them with the 8 branches of Ayurveda. Each family were assigned with one of the branches and were known as the Ashtavaidyan with the word meaning Eight Physicians. Apart from this, there are a number of other stories rumouring in the state. Being a state that holds behind a rich history of Ayurveda, Kerala is now one of the well known Ayurvedic hubs to the south. The state houses, a number of Ayurveda Resort that follows the ancient practice of Ayurveda which mainly includes the 8 branches. The eight main branches of Ayurveda known as the Ashtavaidyan are listed below.

Vajeekarana Chikilsa: Aphrodisiacs

Vajeekarana is a treatment method offered in some of the best-facilitated treatment centres of the state like Aura Ayurveda & Spa. The branch in allopathic refers to the gynaecology department and mainly deals with virility and offspring. A number of different herbal medicines and oils are used in this treatment method which is said to be very effective. The packages offering the Vajeekarana Chikilsa mostly includes aphrodisiac food materials, yoga and exercises apart from medication treatments. The treatment includes various methods of shodan through vaman, virechan and Sweden. After shodan therapy, the patient is administered with different herbals and herbo-minerals. The need or the capability to produce healthy offspring is a very important aspect of life. Infertility is a serious problem and Vajeekarana Chikilsa is a branch in Ayurveda which deals with such cases and ailment.

Salya chikitsa: Surgeries and operations

This is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the injuries that occur due to foreign objects like bullets or other such materials. In modern science, the treatment refers to surgeries where modern equipment is used. In Ayurveda, it is mostly the accident cases that are treated with this stream. The treatment centres in Kerala offering the Salya chikilsa includes treatments for accidents, surgeries or operations for stone urine, haemorrhoids, fistulas, cataracts and even for the holes in the abdomen. Salya chikilsa is better referred as the father of “plastic surgery”.

Graharoga chikilsa: Healing of psychological problems

This is a branch of Ayurvedic treatment which is available in almost every treatment centres in Kerala. Being a branch which deals with the mind and the mental health of the individual the medication used in the treatment mostly includes yoga, meditation and such where the mind of an individual is made calm. Different medications like Shirodhara and more are done to treat such ailments. Most of the packages offered in Graharoga chikilsa focus on treating ailments like depression, physics disorders, sleeplessness, tension, stress and more. Most of the treatment methods used under the Graharoga chikilsa are said to be very effective.

Kayachikitsa: Internal and external treatments for the body

The word kaya mainly refers to fire which is basically the digestive fire. The treatment based on this is called the Kayachikitsa. The treatment includes in the Kayachikitsa mainly focus on treatment related to the malfunctioning of the Agni in a human body. Kayachikitsa is mainly very effective for basic ailments like the Jwara (fever), Pandu (anaemia), and ATIS (diarrhoea) and so on. Every basic ailment and its treatment come under this branch of Ayurveda.

Balaroga Chikilsa: Diseases related to infants

Balaroga Chikilsa is a very simple yet complicated branch of treatment in Ayurveda. The branch focus on ailments related to the infants. As the medication method and medicine dosage differ greatly in the case if infant treatments, this branch is being studied and developed separately. There are a number of treatment centres in Kerala focusing on Balaroga Chikilsa and offers the best treatment. The main medication used in these treatment centres includes breast milk to which the medicinal herbs are added. Being a very delicate stream of treatment Balaroga Chikilsa is done with utmost care and seriousness.

This is a branch which deals with ailments related to head and neck. This treatment is also known as the “Shalakaya Tantric” as the ailment is mostly treated with an instrument known as Shalako”. The state houses a number of treatment centres which offer packages for the treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat diseases and illnesses related to eye and head where Urdhvanga Roga Chikilsa is the main form of medication used.

Roga Chikilsa Danshtra: Toxicology

The branch mainly deals with the treatment of poison. Kerala being a land rich in Ayurvedic history houses a number of Vaidyars offering Visha chikitsa. The poison being injected into the human body is treated with herbal medicines which absorbs the impurities, mostly the toxic element in the body. The treatment mostly offered in the branch mainly includes snake bites, scorpion stings, etc. The practitioners in the treatment centres first analyse the symptoms and then offer medication depending on the behaviour of the poison.

Jara Chikilsa: Methods to rejuvenate the spate dhatus

Beauty and youth is something that every individual tries to maintain. It is mainly this habitual behaviour in the individuals that promoted the growth of Ayurvedic treatment centres which facilitates Jara Chikilsa in the land. The branch mainly deals with diseases related to ageing and a number of other skin diseases. It is mostly for the rejuvenation of body tissues that the branch is preferred. The branch is also known to provide longevity and youth.

Most of the Ayurvedic practitioners in Kerala now are following the most ancient methods of treatment that was followed by the Vaidyars in the 13th and 17th century. Now the state houses a number of Ayurvedic treatment centres in almost every destination. The Kerala government and the health department of the state are also supporting the rise of Ayurvedic centres in the land by offering different packages and promoting the growth of treatment centres as it is one of the oldest treatment methods in the land which attracts a whole lot of travellers to the state.

The eight branches of Ayurvedic treatment are one thing that is gaining popularity and importance in the state with the development of the treatment method.

It is the eight branches of Ayurvedic treatment that hold it together. Like any other modern treatment methods, Ayurveda also believes and focus on treating different body parts. Most of the Ayurveda packages offered in Kerala mainly focus on any of the 8 branches of Ayurveda so as to provide the patient with complete cure of the ailment. Ayurvedic treatments being dominating in Kerala most of the treatment packages and treatment centres in the state would have practitioners focusing on different branches. The health department even offers specialised packages focusing on different branches and Ayurvedic centres with the same feature. In most treatment centres when a patient approaches they are first diagnosed, by a detailed examination by checking the symptoms of the diseases. After the diagnosis is made the patient will be treated under any of the above given 8 branches of Ayurveda.

Everyone wants to enjoy travel with much ease and dislike if it has been disrupted by any health issues. We know, some of the health issues really make us depressed for not being able to enjoy any travel and also giving discomfort to others accompanying us. The silent killer of diseases, Diabetes is a major concern for every patient and those who are diabetic follow a strict way of lifestyle and medication but that doesn’t mean they can’t travel anywhere. Although some issues keep tracking them everywhere they go, some preparations and precautions made can hinder the menace while traveling. November 14, 2017, is the world’s diabetes day and experts have given the guidelines for travel to diabetic patients. In India, After Mumbai, Surat has ranked second for having more number of diabetic patients and the doctors claim that diagnosed patients are more in number and there is still more number of people who are not diagnosed yet. The Abnormal blood sugar levels in patients of Surat are very high compared to those in Mumbai. Studies report that it is due to the incorrect lifestyle and genetics of Gujarat. But this cant deters them from taking part in a tour. Surat natives love to travel Kerala and also there is a belief that while traveling one will be free from the tensions and that can lower the blood flow and thus reduce the effects of high sugar levels. For we know that stress and tension are the main villains for a diabetic patient. Several tour packages to Keralaare available from Surat and make them revel in the natural beauty. But, one has to travel on a flight or train to reach Kerala. Follow some travel hacks for diabetics to make the travel really comfortable.

Some exhilarating travel can promote wellness to some people. Other than lifestyle and genetics, there are people who due to life burdens, tension and stress develop high sugar levels. For them, even a minute issue can make them go depressed and angry too. Travel is a great medicine as it promises wellness of mind and in turn, reduces blood sugar levels. But then too, some efforts must be taken to care while planning for a tour. Surat natives can bring their parents or relatives having diabetics without any concerns and gift them a wonderful vacation in Kerala. The coming months are the peak season for travel in Kerala and never ignore your parents with diabetics. Family tours are most welcomed. It is not just applicable to family tours but any travels like business purpose, weddings can also be met. Extra care must be taken while you travel for a business purpose. As it is the time you can get stressed and blood pressure to shoot up. These simple tips must be taken into account prior to your travel. Consider it as the gift of doctors to diabetic patients on world diabetes day on 14 November 2017.

For Normal long travels

Must consult your routine doctor prior to your travel and seek advice on dos and don’ts. Also, if possible, check the current blood sugar level and control your lifestyle.

While you travel, always carry twice the amount of medications for sugar which you used to take daily and also carry the supplies double the normal numbers. One benefit is that you can give half of the numbers to your companion in travel so that even if you have lost yours, medications will be regular.

Get the prescriptions for buying insulin, keto-diastin and oral hypoglycemic agents.

Try to carry the record or lists of all your current medications so that in case you need a medicine and not able to recall its name, then the list can be used to find it and will be helpful for others too.

In your handbag carry a small first aid box which contains medicins to be used in an emergency other than those will be taken periodically. Such medicines can be simple painkillers like crocin, paracetamol. Anti-diarrhoea capsules and antiseptic solution. Keep some carbohydrates food like dried fruits, dry biscuits, jelly beans. There are chances for some delays in travel and at that point, you can use it.

Patients taking Insulins, Travel checklists

It is reported that the diabetic diagnosed patients in Surat are prescribed with insulin injections after several follow up consultations. There are chances for climatic variations and it is necessary to adhere to the weather in the destination. As in warmer places, the insulin’s may be absorbed and hypoglycemic attack can take place. Regular monitoring of blood level is needed to understand the strength of insulin to be injected. Kerala is having a tropical climate and coming seasons are cooler so chances of this can be overruled. The type and strength of medication can change in countries if you get U-40 in India other countries give U-100 only. Also, for these different strengths, the syringe used must also suit the same strength. Insulin syringes must be kept at a cooler temperature and must not be exposed to sunlight. Never keep it on Dickey or dashboards, Instead carry a storage container to protect it from overheating. If traveling with your family, then ask any member to take care of it and remind you at the time of periodic dosage.

Guidelines to follow if you are traveling on a flight

If you are advised to take insulin, then don’t keep it in a suitcase as the low temperature can cause the insulin to freeze.

You are traveling somewhere far and unexpectedly you encounter a severe effect of diabetes, the proper medical whereabouts about your health must be provided at the concerned hospital like what medicine you are taking and are you allergic and all. A letter of description from your regular doctor can help

Another letter stating you have diabetes and thus it is necessary to carry syringes and needles must be given at the airport.

For overseas trips, it is advised to adjust your watch with Indian time so that you could know which time you have taken your last dosage. eat according to the time you used to be before and not according to the country time.

Be prepared for the time zone change issues, chances of flight delays.

The vibrant beaches of Kerala are really tempting but extra care must be given at that location and avoid walking barefoot especially on hot sand beach water. Avoid injuries while walking or swimming. In case you have found a blister, tie it as soon as possible. Patients having diabetes, must adhere to food habits and you are lucky if you are coming with your family and on a family tour, your relatives can take good care of you. Don’t worry that it is impossible to travel with a patient having high sugar. Some of them used to cancel many holidays owing to this reason. Never deter from this and as Surat is the place where many adults suffer from diabetes, travel agents in Kerala have crafted special Kerala tour packages for family. Special care will be given to those families. You can choose the dishes accordingly and necessary adjustments will be made for you. Regarding the food habits, carry carbohydrate-rich food or sandwiches. From Surat, flights are available to reach Kerala and train is not a good idea. In flights, order an ‘ordinary meal’ instead of asking for a ‘diabetic meal’ as airline meal contain low carbohydrate. Another challenge that must be faced is the flight delays and to counter that keep biscuits/jelly beans in your handbag itself.

Only when one rises to the reality can he or she starts following the right way of living. I had been on my journey of enlightenment when I had been busy climbing the great Himalayas. But little did I know that I would end up having a sprain in my leg and a dislocated spine when I would reach back home. I belonged to Gods own country and there was no way that I was going to just give up on trying to get up as quickly as possible. So right after I went through an operation, I took rest for few weeks as per the doctor prescribed. The strain on my leg had still remained throughout. And the final plan was to go to a Nurturing Ayurvedic Resort in Kerala as per my mom’s decision. So we packed and set off to the resort for three days. I had been waiting to get out and escape from the bed as well as from the closed rooms. The resort was located at Munnar and was named Aura Ayurveda & spa. As we reached they took me in a wheelchair to our room even when I insisted that I could walk. The place felt more comfortable than home as it was located amidst nature. And that was one major factor that helped me in feeling a lot more refreshed. My mother helped me get down the stairs where my personal instructor who was an Ayurveda doctor joined me. He explained everything regarding my condition after seeing my reports and said it was just a small sprain which required enough attention for healing.

My three days of treatment included two major treatments. One of them was Pada Abhayangam and the other one was Foot reflexology. Pada Abhayangam was the first treatment that I underwent on the first day in the morning. They poured medicated herbal oil onto my leg and began massaging it. The five marmas on the leg were what they had been focusing on in order to see to it that more attention is given to the everything. The improvement of the peripheral circulation was also being aimed through it. My legs felt sturdier after the first go of treatment as well. They had also given my mom, sesame oil on the first day which had to be used even after my treatment here for a continuous period of 2 weeks. As it was Ayurveda, the healing would take more time as no side effects would come along with it, unlike the other treatments which require the intake of medicines. As I was done with the treatment, I went to the lawn that had been there in the premises of the center. The workers in the place had been taking care of the plants in the place and I sat on the grass feeling the mist of the place. The scenery was worth staring at and I felt a lot more rejuvenated being in the place. Tiny birds had been fluttering around and I had been sitting simply watching the fountain in the small pond that had been created in between.

Some people had been using Wifi as it was being provided in this Reviving Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala. But I was just not feeling to use mobile phones or headsets. All I wanted to do was stay on the lawn and stare at the birds. In some time people who had also been taking treatments came out to play badminton and other games. All the requirements for it were being done by the people working in the resort. After striding around we got back for lunchtime. Vegetarian food was being followed as it is considered as the best food for consumption. They had been producing the vegetables there itself due to which it had the tag of organic vegetables. After consuming just enough of food from the buffet, I went to my room and took some rest. They soon called me to the room on the phone and asked me to get ready for my session of foot reflexology. It was being done to reduce the pain as well as to improve blood circulation.Usually, reflexology is done for the whole body where the body is divided into zones and treated. But as I did not require it, my doctor had asked me to undergo three sessions of foot reflexology.

In just one day, my leg felt a lot better. The treatments had been pulling off the pain from my legs in each stroke of massage. My legs also felt much softer probably due to the herbal oil that was being used for the message. And it seemed much better than a pedicure to be honest. After the treatment, my doctor asked me to walk barefoot on the grass lawn. This is usually one major way through which nature can help in healing. Positive energy and something more comes from the earth to the body through this. In fact, most of the protective measures we take like wearing sandals and shoes are to be relaxed in a while especially at parks and gardens. After spending some great time in the park with the other people, I went inside to the swimming pool and had a good time in the baby pool that had been there as I could not strain my body through swimming, for a while.

The food that was served in the night was quite exciting where they had barbecued vegetables in the tastiest way ever. After having just enough food I spend some time playing indoor games which had again been provided by the resort. Through this, I was also getting to know the people who had been there. In the night I could sleep much better than usual days which had also been told to me by my instructor. This went on for three days and I was much healthier and fit than what I had been in the last few months. The benefit of being on the Rejuvenating Kerala Ayurveda Packages was more than what I had expected from it. On returning from the place, I felt like I was bidding bye to a school with a whole lot of life lessons through which I could be more healthy and fit as well.